Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

This course offers the student the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in nursing and prepares the graduate for a career in nursing or further study at postgraduate level.

On completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:

• provide person-centered nursing care as a beginning practitioner in a variety of health care settings within local and global contexts
• incorporate cultural, spiritual, developmental and social dimensions in the assessment of an individual and in the planning, implementation and evaluation of their care
• practice in a safe manner that meets accepted legal, ethical and professional standards, including the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse
• enhance practice through the use of reflection in various aspects of the nursing role
• communicate effectively both with the individuals for whom they care and those with which they work
• use and apply evidence-based practice as a foundation for nursing care
• contribute effectively to the delivery of high quality health care to individuals, families, groups and communities
• develop and implement health promotion and education programs to change/improve the health status of individuals, families, groups and communities.

Students who successfully complete a TAFE Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) may apply for credit for up to 24 credit points in the first year of the course. The units applicable are:

• NUR1003 Nursing society and culture,
• NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness,
• NUR1203 Evidence-based nursing practice.

Police checks and Working with Children checks

Organisations that host clinical and community placements require students to have current Police and Working with Children checks regarding their suitability to undertake such placements. All enrolled and prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain Police and Working with Children checks prior to undertaking their course. Working with Children checks are valid for five years and are available free. Police checks must be applied and paid for annually. However, in some community partnered programs, there may be a requirement to have a police check renewed every six months.

Drug Administration Policy

Students should be aware of their legal responsibilities regarding the administration and storage of drugs. In addition, it is the policy of the School of Nursing and Midwifery that where drugs are required to be checked by two people prior to administration under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Victoria), and Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 1995; the student and supervisor (clinical teacher or registered nurse) are considered as one person. Students should be aware of the drug administration policy relevant to the particular year of study. For more information please visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/current.html and refer to the section entitled 'Clinical Guidelines'.

Vaccination Policy

It is required that students obtain relevant vaccinations prior to clinical placements for presentation to the course coordinator on request.

Clinical practice units

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit.

Clinical experience makes up approximately 50 percent of the course. Generally speaking, students on clinical experience will take on shift work, including weekend shifts and night duty and work a supervised, unpaid 40 hour week. Make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator on receipt of a medical certificate.

Where a student's skill or knowledge is found to be inadequate, access to the clinical component of the unit will be denied. A student may be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses during clinical placement. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Successful completion of the course will lead to eligibility for registration as a registered nurse (Division 1) with the Nurses Board of Victoria.

The curriculum has three themes and four streams. In first year students focus on the theme of healthy living; in second year the focus shifts to pathophysiology and in third year it considers all aspects of health care in acute care and community. The following major streams run throughout the curriculum:

• personal and professional development
• scientific basis of clinical practice
• society, population, health and illness
• nursing knowledge and skills.

First year

First semester

BMS1901 Human structure and function 1

NUR1003 Nursing, society and culture

NUR1101 Perspectives of health and wellness

NUR1201 Appreciating research and scholarship

Second semester

BMS1902 Human structure and function 2

NUR1202 Legal issues and concepts

NUR1203 Evidence-based nursing practice

Second year

First semester

NUR2002 Nursing practice in context 1

NUR2003 Contexts of health care

NUR2006 Principles of nursing pharmacology

Second semester

NUR2004 Nursing practice in context 2

NUR2104 Mental health practice 1

SRH2002 Indigenous health and wellbeing

Third year

First semester

NUR3003 Education in health practice

NUR3104 Mental health practice 2

NUR3106 Introduction to high acuity

Second semester

NUR3009 Transition to professional practice

NUR3204 Integrated Community Care

Bachelor of Nursing Practice